2012 NFL Draft: 5 Quarterbacks Who Should Catch the Dallas Cowboys' Eye

As the NFL Draft quickly approaches, the Dallas Cowboys have been studying the draft boards closely.  Defense seems like the main importance in the first few rounds, but the Cowboys could be looking for a quarterback to back up Tony Romo in the later rounds.  

John Kitna retired at the end of the season, and Stephen McGee has shown he may not be the best choice as Romo's primary backup.  Romo's history of injuries shouldn't be ignored, and a quality backup is crucial for the Cowboys.  

Here are a few quarterback prospects who would fit in nicely as Romo's backup, and/or possible permanent replacement under center in Dallas.  

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

The Cowboys interviewed with the Fiesta Bowl winning quarterback during Senior Bowl week.   Weeden, 28, was a former product of the Yankees farm system who is now known for throwing fastballs to Justin Blackmon at Oklahoma State.  

If Weeden lacks in some aspects, he definitely makes up for it in maturity level.  Weeden impressed during Senior Bowl week as he showed how fast he can learn a pro offense.  He did throw a pair of interceptions during the actual game, but left the week with much accomplished and strengthened his case in the minds of NFL personnel.  

Weeden may go in a higher round than I would anticipate the Cowboys to pick a quarterback in.  If he happened to slip into the fourth or fifth round it could be a possibility. Weeden could instantly pick up the Cowboys playbook in training camp, and take over during the season if Romo gets injured.  

Nick Foles, Arizona

Foles reportedly had a difficult time making an impression at Senior Bowl practices. He has prototypical NFL size (6'5" 240 pounds), but has had a hard time making accurate throws, finishing his career at Arizona with 67 touchdowns and 33 interceptions.  

He is currently considered a top five quarterback in the draft, but his stock could fall if he doesn't perform well at the NFL combine. Foles would definitely suffer a learning curve dealing with the Cowboys offense, but if Jerry Jones could get him in the right round of the draft he could be a steal.  

His upside would be too good to pass up if he somehow fell into day three.  

B.J. Coleman, Tennessee Chattanooga

Like Romo, Coleman is a small-school guy who is a more sensible option for the Cowboys in the draft.  Jerry Jones needs to go with defense through the first couple rounds, and Coleman is a guy they can get easily get on day three.  

Coleman has good size with an NFL arm, and has experience at a bigger program when he first played for Tennessee.  His talent was on full display during his appearance at the East-West Shrine Game, where he was 10-15 for 168 yards.  

Coleman's draft stock may be rising (just as Joe Flacco's did), and he may be too high out of the Cowboys' reach.  But he is there late in the draft it would be a wise selection.  

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

Russell Wilson could be a quality backup for Tony Romo.  His athleticism alone gives him the ability to make plays. Wilson's draft stock has fallen recently as he had measured in at only 5'11" at the Senior Bowl, but he still had a good showing during the game.  

Wilson is trying to prove that his height isn't an issue.  He played behind a monstrous offensive line at Wisconsin, and his ability to escape the pocket means he didn't have balls batted down at the line of scrimmage. 

Wilson has underrated accuracy as well, setting an NCAA pass efficiency record while throwing for 33 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions in his senior season.  The Cowboys could find a steal here in Wilson in the later rounds of the draft.  

Case Keenum, Houston

Why not pick up the all-time NCAA leader in pass yardage and touchdowns with a late pick in the draft?  Sounds quite inciting doesn't it?  Keenum doesn't have prototypical NFL QB size, and has been labeled as a "system quarterback" while running the air raid offense at Houston.

Keenum should feel like the most disrespected quarterback in the draft.  He is considered a smaller quarterback even though he is listed at 6'2", and his accuracy was spot on during his college career. The Cowboys should take a chance on the native Texan if he is available in a late round.  

Keenum has heart and determination, something they could use more of.